Let's Talk About Maternal Mental Health

Let’s take a moment to talk about something very important but not always talked about enough - maternal mental health. Because how you are feeling matters and you are definitely not alone. 

What Is Maternal Mental Health? 

Maternal mental health is about how you feel emotionally and mentally during pregnancy and after your baby is born. It includes feelings of sadness, anxiety, fear or stress. Sometimes it involves conditions like postpartum depression, anxiety or even trauma related to childbirth. 

Many parents feel like they should be happy all the time once the baby arrives. But the truth is, not everyone feels that way - and that is okay. Becoming a parent is a huge life change and it is completely normal to have mixed emotions. 

Common Feelings After Birth 

It is normal to feel tired or emotional after having a baby. Many people experience what is described as “baby blues”, a term which is associated with common hormonal changes for a women. However, feelings and mood should be tracked over the coming days after giving birth. If you feel persistently unwell with your mental health and things do not appear to be shifting in your low mood, then you should seek support from your GP or health professional.   

Sometimes, those feelings stick around or get stronger. You might feel very sad, anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your baby. If these feelings last more than two weeks or begin to affect your daily life, it may be something more serious like postpartum depression or anxiety. 

Look out for signs like: 

• Constant sadness or crying 
• Feeling nervous or panicky 
• Trouble sleeping or eating 
• Feeling distant from your baby 
• Feeling like you are not a good parent 
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby 

If any of these sound familiar, please know that you are not a bad parent. You are not alone. And there is help available. And there is help available. HERE is a great free resource to help you articulate how you are feeling in order to make that first step in seeking support via your GP or health care provider easier.  

We also know that mental health changes do not only impact mothers, but they can impact both parents and dads can also require help and support too. Mental wellbeing support is available for the whole family so if anyone is struggling they should be encouraged to seek support. 

Why Does This Happen? 

There are many reasons why new parents may struggle emotionally. Your body is going through big changes after birth. Your hormones are shifting. You might not be sleeping much. On top of that, you are learning to care for a new baby, which can feel overwhelming. 

Sometimes other parts of life add extra stress, like financial worries, relationship changes or lack of support from family and friends. All of this can affect how you feel.  

It is important to remember that struggling with your mental health does not mean you are weak. It means you are human. 

You Are Not Alone 

You might feel like you are the only one going through this, but the truth is many parents feel this way. About 1 in 7 new mums experience postpartum depression. Even more experience anxiety or worry that feels out of control. 

But many people do not talk about it because they are scared of being judged or misunderstood. This silence can make it feel like everyone else is coping better. But you are not the only one who feels this way. 

How You Can Start to Feel Better 

You do not have to go through this by yourself. Here are a few simple but powerful steps that can make a big difference: 

• Talk to someone you trust Share how you are feeling with a friend, family member or your partner. You do not need to have all the answers and just talking can help you feel less alone. 

• Speak to a healthcare provider Your doctor, midwife or nurse can help you understand what is going on and guide you to support. There are people trained to help you feel better. The PANDAS Foundation are the UK’s leading perinatal charity and provide free mental health support for parents, carers and their networks, ensuring that no one has to face challenges alone.    

• Join a support group Connecting with other parents who are going through the same thing can be very comforting. Whether online or in person, it helps to know you are not the only one. 

• Rest when you can Sleep might be hard to come by with a baby but try to rest when you can. Even a short nap or break can help you recharge. 

• Accept help If someone offers to cook a meal, watch the baby for a while or do the laundry, say yes! You deserve support and you do not have to do it all on your own. Where you have no physical network to help you, use the charitable resources who have lived experience. 

When to Seek More Help 

If your feelings are not going away, are getting worse or are making it hard to enjoy life, it is time to reach out for more support. Talking to a therapist, joining a mental health program or taking medication can help and there is no shame in that. 

You deserve to feel good again. You deserve to enjoy this time with your baby and feel like yourself. 

A Note for Partners and Loved Ones 

If you are supporting someone who just had a baby, your help means so much. You can make a big difference by being kind, patient and encouraging. Ask how they are feeling and listen. Offer to help around the house or with the baby. And if you notice signs they might be struggling, gently encourage them to speak to a professional. 

You Are Doing Better Than You Think 

Becoming a parent is a huge journey. There are highs and lows and it is okay to feel both at the same time. Please remember, if you are having a hard time, it does not mean you are failing. It means you are going through something hard. Recovery is possible if you take the guided steps and seek support. So many people have walked in your footsteps truly believing they would never get better, but with help they do!  

You are not alone. There is support. And there is hope. And you are doing better than you know. 

Written by Midwife Pip 

 Pip an experienced practicing NHS Midwifery Sister, MSc, author of Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth, KGH hypnobirthing diploma, founder of the Midwife Pip Podcast, pelvic health specialist, pre and postnatal trainer and, importantly, a mum. Pip is an enthusiast of all things women's health and wellness. Having worked with many families, for many years Pip see’s every day the void in high quality information available. Pip is on a mission to change this and to make sure that all women can access the information they deserve and need to be empowered and supported through their pregnancy, birth and postpartum journeys.  

Instagram: @midwife_pip 

Podcast: Midwife Pip Podcast 

Book: www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books 

Courses: midwifepip.com